Massive fines if they dont act. Im Still Standing better than i ever did. Brexit ended visa free travel to the eu for musicians. Now, eltonjohn tells us why it will hit so many young performers. And coming up, a Hollywood Gladiator sends a surprise Birthday Message to a british sailor taking part in a round the world yacht race. Good evening and welcome to bbc news. The Prime Minister has thanked all those who have helped the uk to reach a milestone in its Vaccination Programme ten Million People have now received a first dose. But borisjohnson also issued a warning, describing the levels of covid 19 infections as alarmingly high. He said that while there was growing evidence of the effectiveness of the vaccines, the government needed more data before considering any relaxation of covid restrictions. Heres our Political Editor laura kuenssberg. Sleeves up, syringes ready, vaccine in army medics filling this Church Hall In Chingford where there used to be bingo nights and dog training.
Vaping products will come in october 2026 and the existing tax on tobacco will increase. The chancellor says thats in order to maintain the financial incentive to choose over smoking. Windfall tax on the profits of energy firms draw will be extended into 2029 even that was previously scheduled to end in 2028. Increase in flight duty for Business Class tickets, non dom tax free dream on People Living overseas and didnt that it will be replaced with new rules from april 2025. Bigger picture the uk economy now. The obr, office of budget responsibility predicts the economy is going to grow and add 1. 9 we are currently on a technical recession. Inflation rate forecast to fall below 2 target this year but the underlying debt. But the underlying debt, excluding Bank Of England debt, is forecast to be 91. 7 of gdp this year, rising to 92. 8 next year. The government also kept a freeze on alcohol duty, there is a lot to chew over and we have tried to bring up to date on the main headlines but
Ministers questions. It is always a little different, the pmqs ahead of the budget. He has vacated the chair for the Deputy Speaker. She will be going through some of the notices ahead ofjeremy hunt, the chancellor, delivering his Budget Statement. He will take to his feet shortly and will probably speak for about an hour shortly and will probably speak for Aboutan Hourand shortly and will probably speak for about an hour and then it will be the turn of the leader of the opposition, keir starmer to respond. We will take both of those live and uninterrupted and we will then have reaction from the Chief Secretary to the treasury, laura trott, part of the treasury, laura trott, part of the Treasury Team and her shadow for labour. Here isjeremy hunt. Madam Deputy Speaker, as we mourn the loss of life in israel and gaza, the loss of life in israel and gaza, the Prime Minister reminded us of the Prime Minister reminded us of the need the Fight Extremism and heal divisions. I start today by r
World tour have agreed to a shock merger with the saudi backed liv golf. This comes despite the pending litigation between pga and liv. That will now be halted as they move forward as part of the same enterprise. Over the past year liv golf caused huge disruption in the mens game, with top players such as rory mcllroy and tiger woods boldly criticising it. But other players such as Brooks Koepka joined liv golf for large sums with the backing of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment fund. The bbc s golf correspondent iain carter believes it is the big investment being offered that has made this deal possible. Players can get along fine when they are playing for the biggest prizes. Money is the massive driver here, the likes of rory mcilroy and the establishment from the live setup, they used to be west friends. Michael roy was a groomsmen at garcias wedding. They now do not speak. But that sort of thing will be shoved to one side. What we wait to see is what shape mens golf take Going For